PREFACE.

THE following pages are compiled in affectionate remembrance of a beloved, and now deeply lamented brother; and in presenting this memorial volume to our friends, a slight sketch of him we mourn may not be deemed inappropriate.

Samuel Hallett Griffith was born at Bath, August 18th, 1819. Descended from godly ancestors and blessed with pious parents, he was from childhood surrounded by religious influences, and early received and retained religious impressions. Endowed with good natural abilities, and possessing an excellent memory, he also early gave proofs of those mental powers which, with diligence in study, enabled him to pass with much honour through his scholastic course, and, subsequently, as a student for the medical profession.

He was educated at Mill Hill Grammar School, where he attained the rank of head boy, won several prizes, and obtained, in 1836, the gold medal, given by the old scholars for the best English composition. While at Mill Hill he publicly professed his faith in Christ, and was received as a member of the church presided over by the Rev. William Clayton. At this time he was summoned home to the dying bed of his beloved mother, whose last moments were cheered by the knowledge of her son's honourable course of study, and yet more by his youthful consecration

to his Redeemer. On leaving school, he entered the establishment of the Rev. John Watson, as a theological pupil, with a view to the Christian ministry; but while at home in the study of biblical literature, he did not feel himself qualified for extemporary address. Hence, knowing that the success of the minister of the gospel depended not only on consecration of heart, but also, in great measure, upon the style of address from the pulpit, in which he feared he might fail, he relinquished his course of study for the sacred office, and entered the medical profession.

At St. George's Hospital he obtained prizes and certificates of merit in nearly every department of study, passed his examinations with honour, and immediately on receiving his diplomas commenced medical practice in Wolverhampton. Here he joined a literary circle, connected with the Philosophical Institute, and on several occasions read papers at the meetings of its members. But the friendships here formed were of short duration. Scarcely had a twelvemonth elapsed, when the loss of one whom he had fondly hoped would have been his dearest earthly companion cast a shadow over all life's brightness. Feeling that at home there would be desolation, he disposed of his practice, and accepted a medical appointment, which took him to the East and West Indies. Returning home in 1846, he shortly afterwards entered on professional duties in London. From this period to his death his course was a chequered one. His youthful hopes had been blighted, and succeeding years brought other trials to cloud and sadden his path, but which, doubtless, were the discipline his Heavenly Father saw needful to fit him for a better life beyond. Reserved in manner, he was intimately known to few, but by them he was ever regarded as the kind, intelligent, and sympathizing friend. Having a sound judgment, and quick apprehension of the various

aspects of a subject, his opinion was often sought, and the needful counsel and assistance were ever promptly given.

While in London, our brother, besides preparing papers for social literary meetings, contributed several articles to the "Sunday at Home" and "Leisure Hour." Himself a congregational dissenter, and member of the Church of Christ worshipping in Barbican Chapel, he was free from all sectarian prejudices, and numbered among his friends and acquaintance several clergymen of the Established Church. Through this connection, he became a stated contributor to the "Church of England Monthly Review," a periodical started in 1856, for the maintenance and furtherance of Evangelical religion, as well as for the expression of opinions upon subjects of scientific and general interest. A selection from these papers, together with some contributions to the "Church of England Magazine," will be found in the following pages.

In the pursuance of these literary occupations and the duties of his profession, time rolled on till 1859, when he again went abroad as surgeon to the Joseph Fletcher, bound for New Zealand and China. The outward voyage was the means of re-establishing his health, which had been for some time failing, and the passage to New Zealand was a singularly pleasant one.. The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed on board, and our brother won the esteem of all by his constant attention to the wants and comfort of the passengers; and it was remarked that if any were specially taken care of, they were to be found among the second-cabin and steerage emigrants. He, with others, conducted Divine service on the Sabbath, and endeavoured, in many ways, to do good to those around him.

Having spent about a month in Auckland, exploring the neighbourhood, and witnessing the settlement of some